The interest in getting a flu shot has snowballed since the recent "epidemic" declaration on the East Coast.

Deschutes County Health Services Community Health Manager Tom Kuhn says their phone lines are very busy with people asking questions. "We really had not much as all last year at this time. For example: the strain that's out there is a seasonal-type strain 'H3N2' however it's a pretty virulent strain. So sometimes the illness can be more severe than in past flu seasons that we've seen."

Kuhn says they were able to get more vaccine and has decided to extend the hours of the walk-in clinic from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

The clinic is located on NE Courtney Drive and everyone six months and above can receive a flu vaccine. The cost is $15. The clinic cannot accept insurance at this time.

Also, Mosaic Medical will hold a walk-in flu clinic on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You sdo not need to be a patient to receive a flu shot or the flu mist. Insurance will be accepted at Mosaic Medical: cash, debit or credit card payments will be $30 for people over 18 with no insurance and $15 for all people under 18 with no insurance – a sliding scale for Mosaic patients will be applied.